Tag: Shaka Toney

Commanders release DE Shaka Toney

Toney was just reinstated last week.

That didn’t take long. Days after the NFL reinstated defensive end Shaka Toney from an indefinite suspension for gambling, the Washington Commanders released him on Monday.

Toney, a seventh-round selection in the 2021 NFL draft from Penn State, played two seasons for the Commanders, appearing in 26 games, finishing with 16 tackles, including two for loss, three quarterback hits and 1.5 sacks.

The 6-foot-2, 240-pound Toney faced long odds at making Washington’s roster in 2024. While the Commanders are without their top four edge rushers from a year ago, new general manager Adam Peters rebuilt the position this offseason, adding veterans Dorance Armstrong, Dante Fowler Jr. and Clelin Ferrell.

Armstrong and Fowler are close with new head coach Dan Quinn, while Ferrell followed Peters and new defensive line coach Darryl Tapp to Washington from San Francisco. The Commanders also re-signed veteran Efe Obada.

Additionally, Washington returns second-year edge defenders K.J. Henry and Andre Jones Jr., both of whom showed potential at times last season.

With nine picks in this week’s 2024 NFL draft, the Commanders are expected to select an edge rusher at some point. Washington hosted multiple edge defenders on top 30 visits.

NFL reinstates Commanders DE Shaka Toney after suspension

Toney was a seventh-round pick in 2021 and returns to a completely different team.

You can add one more name to the mix at defensive end for the Washington Commanders in 2024. The NFL reinstated five players who were suspended indefinitely last year for violating the gambling policy, and one of those players was Washington edge rusher Shaka Toney.

Things have changed dramatically since the last time Toney was in Ashburn. The 26-year-old was a 2021 seventh-round pick out of Penn State who appeared in 26 games with one start, recording 16 tackles and 1.5 sacks from 2021-22.

Toney was suspended on April 21 last year. Since then, Washington has added a new draft class, a new owner, a new GM, a new coaching staff, and over 30 new teammates.

The defensive end room is completely changed, and Efe Obada is the only familiar face from Toney’s previous time in Washington. Gone are Chase Young, Montez Sweat, James Smith-Williams and Casey Toohill. In are K.J. Henry, Andre Jones Jr., Dorance Armstrong, Dante Fowler Jr. and Clelin Ferrell.

Toney faces long odds making the roster, with the Commanders also likely to add a pass rusher in next week’s NFL draft.

Every NFL draft pick coached by James Franklin

Zac Stacy, Jordan Matthews, Saquon Barkley, Micah Parsons, and every other NFL draft pick who played for James Franklin.

[autotag]James Franklin[/autotag] got his first head coaching opportunity with Vanderbilt after the 2010 season despite previously being the head coach-in-waiting at Maryland. The Commodores are not necessarily known for producing a tremendous amount of NFL talent, but Vanderbilt managed to send a few players off to the next level by way of the NFL draft under the guidance of Franklin, who has experience as an assistant coach in the NFL.

In the years Franklin was the head coach at Vanderbilt, from 2011 through 2013, Vanderbilt had seven players drafted. And a few more who would go on to be drafted later on out of Vanderbilt were brought into the program initially by Franklin and his staff. The seven players drafted from Vanderbilt from Franklin’s three seasons with the program is the most draft picks from Vanderbilt in a three-year span in school history since 1957-1969 saw 11 players selected by NFL teams, in the days of a draft lasting at least 20 rounds.

Since arriving at Penn State in 2014, Franklin has seen a growing number of his players go on to be drafted by NFL franchises, including an offensive rookie of the year in running back [autotag]Saquon Barkley[/autotag] in 2018 and a defensive rookie of the year in linebacker [autotag]Micah Parsons[/autotag] in 2021.

Here is a look at every player drafted by an NFL team that had James Franklin as a head coach in their last game before being drafted, beginning with Franklin’s time at Vanderbilt.

And once you are done checking out this list, here is a list of every Penn State player drafted in the first round of the NFL draft since Penn State joined the Big Ten.

Former Nittany Lion Shaka Toney suspended for 2023 NFL season

Former Penn State football player suspended by NFL for gambling.

The NFL announced suspensions for several players on Friday, among them was former Nittany Lion [autotag]Shaka Toney[/autotag]. It was reported by NFL Media that a total of five players would be suspended for gambling with three of them being suspended for the entire 2023 season.

[autotag]Shaka Toney[/autotag] is currently rostered by the Washington Commander and is entering his third season with the team. Toney was drafted in the 7th round in 2021 out of Penn State and has struggled to get playing time in Washington’s defense despite the injuries allowing him to earn a rotational spot on the defensive line.

Toney very well could see this be the end of his time in Washington. He is eligible to participate in all offseason activities and the preseason, but will miss the entire 2023 season. Toney, as well as the other players that find themselves suspended indefinitely, will be eligible to apply for reinstatement at the conclusion of the 2023 NFL season. This also marks the second year the NFL is having to issue gambling-related suspensions after suspending Jacksonville Jaguars receiver Calvin Ridley.

In four seasons as a Nittany Lion, Toney played in a total of 40 games and racked up an impressive 28.5 TFL and 20 sacks with an impressive 111 tackles on a defensive line that had major success with the like of [autotag]Jayson Oweh[/autotag] and [autotag]Yetur Gross-Matos[/autotag] in the rotation.

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Former Badgers WR suspended by NFL and released by Lions

Former Badger and current NFL wide receiver Quintez Cephus was suspended for the entirety of the 2023 season Friday.

Former Badger and current NFL wide receiver Quintez Cephus was suspended for the entirety of the 2023 season Friday. Cephus was caught gambling on NFL contests and as a result was suspended by the league for a minimum of one season.

Cephus was one out of five NFL players that was suspended for violating the league’s gambling policy with teammate C.J. Moore also receiving a full-season suspension for gambling on NFL action. Additionally, Jameson Williams and Stanley Berryhill were given six-game suspensions for betting on non-NFL action. Finally, Shaka Toney of the Commanders was also suspended for a full season.

Cephus was subsequently cut by the Lions and he will have to apply for reinstatement following the 2023 campaign if he wants to continue his NFL career. Over three seasons with Detroit, the former Badger has compiled 37 catches for 568 yards and four touchdowns in 22 games.

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NFL’s desire for gambling revenue presents an impossible “responsibility” schism

The NFL wants as much gambling revenue as possible, and it’s willing to sacrifice its players for the right perception of purity.

On April 19, the National Football League released a statement confirming its involvement with the Coalition for Responsible Sports Betting Advertising. The Coalition was touted as “a voluntary association of sports leagues and media entities committed to doing their part to help ensure a responsible approach to sports betting advertising.”.

Consisting of the National Football League, Major League Baseball, Major League Soccer, NASCAR, National Basketball Association, Women’s National Basketball Association, National Hockey League, NBCUniversal, and FOX, the Coalition “has committed to implement and maintain consumer protection policies consistent with the following six principles:”

  • Sports Betting Should be Marketed Only to Adults of Legal Betting Age
  • Sports Betting Advertising Should Not Promote Irresponsible or Excessive Gambling or Degrade the Consumer Experience
  • Sports Betting Advertisements Should Not Be Misleading
  • Sports Betting Advertisements Should Be In Good Taste
  • Publishers Should Have Appropriate Internal Reviews of Sports Betting Advertising
  • Publishers Should Review Consumer Complaints Pertaining to Sports Betting Advertising

Two days later, the NFL had another press release to put out. It involved the suspension of five players for various violations of the league’s gambling policy.

Quintez Cephus and C.J. Moore of the Detroit Lions, and Shaka Toney of the Washington Commanders, are suspended indefinitely through at least the conclusion of the 2023 season for betting on NFL games in the 2022 season. These players may petition for reinstatement at the conclusion of the 2023 season.

Stanley Berryhill and Jameson Williams of the Lions are suspended for the team’s first six regular season games of the 2023 season. These players are eligible to participate in all offseason and preseason activities, including preseason games. The suspensions will take effect at the final roster cutdown.

The gambling policy, which is annually reviewed with all NFL personnel, including players, prohibits anyone in the NFL from engaging in any form of gambling in any club or league facility or venue, including the practice facility.

A league review uncovered no evidence indicating any inside information was used or that any game was compromised in any way.

“As a result of an NFL investigation, it came to our attention that a few of our players had violated the league’s gambling policy,” Lions general manager Brad Holmes said in a statement. “These players exhibited decision making that is not consistent with our organizational values and violates league rules. We have made the decision to part ways with Quintez and C.J. immediately. We are disappointed by the decision making demonstrated by Stanley and Jameson and will work with both players to ensure they understand the severity of these violations and have clarity on the league rules moving forward.”

Williams’ representatives released his own statement, detailing the specifics of the violation.

According to a report by ESPN.com’s Eric Woodyard, several members of the Lions’ staff were dismissed in March for violations of league gambling policy.

Add their names to the list started by former Falcons and current Jacksonville Jaguars receiver Calvin Ridley, who was given a year-long suspension in March, 2022, and you have quite the assembly of suspended players and fired staffers at a time when the NFL is moving at an accelerated rate to benefit as much as possible from the burgeoning sports betting market — especially through advertising revenue.

In August 2021, the league announced agreements with FOX Bet, BetMGM, PointsBet, and WynnBET to become Approved Sportsbook Operators for the 2021 NFL season. These agreements make all four operators eligible to purchase NFL in-game commercial units and other select NFL media inventory. This after announcing agreements with sportsbook partnerships with Caesars Entertainment, DraftKings and FanDuel that April.

“We are pleased to announce this select group as Approved Sportsbook Operators,” said Nana-Yaw Asamoah, Vice President of Business Development for the NFL. “Along with our three Official Sports Betting Partners, this group of operators will help the League to engage fans in responsible and innovative ways this season as the sports betting landscape continues to evolve.”

Put simply, the NFL is trying to generate as much money as possible from these partnerships, with the obvious understanding that they can’t put a stink on the league from an integrity perspective.

When Pete Rozelle suspended Paul Hornung in 1963 for violations of the gambling policy, it was a very different world. Any hint of gambling brought an ardent and attendant fear that professional football would be overrun by those looking to compromise the purity of competition, Packers head coach Vince Lombardi told Hornung to “stay at the foot of the cross.” Hornung was not asked to do so at a time when the NFL had removed the cross, and replaced it with a sports book.

So, it is easy to assume that the NFL’s sudden and startling enforcement of these issues is a counter to the inevitable questions that come with these partnerships. The inverse example might be Major League Baseball, which was a cesspool of fixed plays and games in the late 1800s and early 1900s. When the Black Sox were banned for life after fixing the 1919 World Series, new Commissioner Kenesaw Mountain Landis exacted such a harsh punishment because he wanted there to be no question about the game’s aboveboard status.

It didn’t quite go that way (ask Pete Rose about it), but the perception beat reality for a long time.

Similarly, the NFL is looking to balance a heavy involvement with gambling while putting forth a perception of purity. And if it has to sacrifice its own people, no matter how large or small the infraction, it appears to be perfectly comfortable in doing just that.

Commanders’ Shaka Toney suspended at least 1 year for gambling violation

Shaka Toney was one of Washington’s seventh-round picks in 2021.

The NFL announced suspensions for several NFL players Friday for gambling violations. Washington Commanders defensive end Shaka Toney was among those suspended.

Toney, 25, is entering his third season out of Penn State. He was one of three players suspended indefinitely — at least one year — for betting on games during the 2022 NFL season.

Toney can apply for reinstatement after the 2023 season.

A seventh-round pick in 2021, Toney has played in 26 career games for Washington, recording 16 total tackles and 1.5 sacks. Toney was a reserve defensive end but contributed on special teams.

Toney’s suspension likely doesn’t change anything regarding Washington’s draft plans. He wasn’t guaranteed to make the 2023 roster, and with multiple defensive ends slated for free agency after next season, the Commanders are expected to target at least one pass rusher in next week’s 2023 NFL draft.

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NFL suspends five players for violating league’s gambling policy

The NFL suspended four Detroit Lions players and one from the Washington Commanders and we’re looking at how that’ll impact the Eagles and the NFL Draft

NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported on Friday that the NFL is suspending five players, including four from the Detroit Lions, for violating the league’s gambling policy.

Lions wide receivers Jameson Williams and Stanley Berryhill each have six-game bans, per Rapoport, while wideout Quintez Cephus and defensive back C.J. Moore are suspended indefinitely.

Washington Commanders pass rusher Shaka Toney also is suspended indefinitely.

Detroit reacted swiftly, releasing Cephus and Moore while acknowledging the suspensions for Williams and Berryhill.

With the draft less than one week away, we’re looking at how it’ll impact the NFL draft and the Eagles.

Penn State names Deion Barnes defensive line coach

Penn State announces its new defensive line coach

As Penn State gathers for the start of spring football practices, the search for a new defensive line coach has officially come to a close. On Monday, Penn State announced [autotag]Deion Barnes[/autotag] will take on the role on the coaching staff.

“We are excited to have Deion represent his alma mater as our defensive line coach,” head coach [autotag]James Franklin[/autotag] said in a released statement. “I have really been impressed watching him grow as a coach and leader these last three seasons. Deion’s passion for Penn State and the defensive line room has been a differentiator. It is clear to me that he wears his pride for this University through his work.”

Barnes, a former Penn State defensive lineman from 2012 through 2014, has spent the past three seasons on the Penn State coaching staff as a graduate assistant. During that time, he has helped to develop [autotag]Arnold Ebiketie[/autotag], [autotag]Jesse Luketa[/autotag], [autotag]Odafe Oweh[/autotag], and [autotag]Shaka Toney[/autotag]. All four were drafted by NFL teams, including Oweh as a first-round draft pick of the Baltimore Ravens in 2021.

“I am thrilled and honored to be the defensive line coach for my alma mater,” Barnes said in a released statement. “I am extremely grateful to Coach Franklin for giving me this opportunity to lead a room of tremendous young men who have worked so hard each and every day. I have a lot of pride and passion for Penn State University, and I am excited to go to work with this coaching staff, this team, my letterman brothers and the best fans in college football.”

Barnes will fill the spot on the coaching staff previously occupied by John Scott Jr., who left the program for an opportunity with the Detroit Lions.

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Penn State opens spring football practices on Tuesday, March 14. The annual Blue-White spring game is scheduled for Saturday, April 15.

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Follow Nittany Lions Wire on Twitter and like us on Facebook for continuing Penn State coverage and discussion. Let us know your thoughts by leaving a comment on this story below. Join the conversation today.

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Montez Sweat credited with zero pressures in Week 3 loss vs. Eagles

The Commanders need more from Montez Sweat.

Remember in the summer of 2021 when Washington defensive end Montez Sweat predicted he and Chase Young would break the NFL sack record for a season by teammates?

That feels so long ago, but each week that passes without Sweat getting to the opposing passer and bringing them down, that comment comes back to mind.

In the ugly Week 3 loss to the Eagles, Sweat was credited with zero pressures on Jalen Hurts, according to Pro Football Focus. Per PFF, Sweat had 15 pass-rushing snaps and did not register one pressure. Sweat did not record a quarterback hit, either. For the season, Sweat has zero sacks after three games.

Look, we know sacks aren’t everything, but pressures and QB hits tell a bigger story. Sweat isn’t getting close. On more than one occasion Sunday, Sweat would rush the passer too wide against the offensive tackle, leading Hurts to step up and Sweat to run himself out of the play.

This is what we saw from Chase Young at times last season. It’s almost as if the speed rush isn’t working; Sweat lacks a countermove. Now, in fairness to Sweat, he had a terrific game in Week 1, although he didn’t record a sack. He was impactful. And with 21 sacks through his first three seasons, we know Sweat can wreak havoc.

A popular pick for a breakout player in 2022, Sweat’s combination of size, power and speed sets him apart from most. Somehow, some way, the Commanders need Sweat to start getting to the quarterback more frequently.

The defense needs help, and defensive tackles Daron Payne and Jonathan Allen are doing their part. Sweat raising his game would do a lot for Washington’s struggling secondary.

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